More reliable programming environment than MPLABx?

johnl · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 120

For many years, I've used MPLAB/ICD2 without many issues. No I'm forced to change because of processor support (very clever, Microchip.)

MPLABx/ICD3 seems to be a different animal.

It works, then doesn't work (seemingly on a whim) for the same chip and setup. (If you care to see my thread on Microchip's forum: http://www.microchip.com/forums/m926670.aspx)

Is there a better IDE and programmer that is reliable? I'm ready to throw money at the problem. Mad

PCM programmer · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 21708

His answer about Windows 7 being old is lame.

I have seen settings in MPLAB X just randomly change.

There is also a problem if you switch your programmer between MPLAB
vs. 8.92 and MPLAB X. The firmware downloaded by one IDE is not
compatible with the other IDE. If you switch between IDE's, it's best if
you do a manual firmware download to the ICD 3 or Pickit 3. Don't trust
the IDE to correctly do an auto-download.

johnl · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 120

Is it correct that ICD3 with MPLABX will do anything ICD2 with MPLAB8 will do?

If so I can eliminate switching in the future.

I'll search for and try the manual driver loading. Thanks.

johnl · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 120

The driver switcher appears to be working. Could someone tell me if the drivers for MPLABX look correct for a Win 7 Pro machine?

Screen shots:

[img]
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B34q-TFKqGvXNlFtbnM0SjVfVTg
[/img]

johnl · Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 120

Problem Solved...

The ICD3 RJ11 connector wasn't making a complete connection to the programming cable. It looks like the conductor pins in the ICD3 RJ12 are slightly deformed.

Very Happy